Laser Eye Surgery (PRK or LASIK)

Several times per day, our offices in Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach or Ladysmith receive inquiries about the new laser eye surgery for nearsightedness; Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK), or Laser Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). We have been involved in the co-management of this surgery for over eleven years now and a growing number of our patients have had this procedure performed. While this type of laser surgery is not available in Nanaimo, we work with several laser centres in Vancouver and Victoria. Pre-operative assessments are performed by our doctors, as are the post-operative follow up exams. Most patients need to be seen an average of seven times over the first year following surgery. While correction for farsightedness is now in the developmental stage, the correction of nearsightedness has been producing excellent results!

Who is the ideal candidate for PRK? The profile of patients undergoing PRK has changed over the past six years. In reviewing the last forty patients whom we have co-managed, certain trends have emerged.

The average age of these patients is forty-two. They range in age from 19 to 68. Nearly all patients have been very active and recreation-oriented. They are more concerned with having clear distance vision than near vision and do not mind the idea of having to wear reading glasses at some point in their lives.

Though early PRK patients tended to have quite strong prescriptions, lately we have seen more people with mild and medium prescriptions having the procedure done. Initial interest in PRK came almost exclusively from nearsighted individuals, in contrast to current interest, coming equally from both near- and far-sighted persons. Those early patients also tended to have a high level of disposable income, while today’s patients cover a much broader spectrum: people seem willing to make sacrifices elsewhere in order to have PRK.

Patient interest has heightened in the past few years, as more and more people hear about PRK and LASIK, or know someone personally who has undergone the procedure. PRK and LASIK are better accepted by the general public following recent media attention and frequent information seminars sponsored by laser centres.

As to the question, "Who is right for PRK?", our practice has discovered that nearly anyone, regardless of age, prescription , or income level, can be considered a candidate!